Elected Officials

Patrick J. Kennedy

Patrick J. Kennedy, the youngest of three children of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Joan Bennett Kennedy was born on July 14, 1967, in Brighton, MA. Patrick graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, and attended Providence College where he earned his degree in 1991. Patrick became politically active at PC, first helping to revive the college's Young Democrats organization, and then in March of 1988 serving as the Democratic National Convention delegate for then Gov. Michael Dukakis. In September of 1988, he ran for the Rhode Island State House and was elected at the age of 21, becoming the youngest Kennedy family member ever to win office.

As a member of the Rhode Island State House, Patrick represented District 9, comprised of the Mount Pleasant and Elmhurst neighborhoods of Providence. He served on both the Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the Special Legislative Committee. In 1992, he was named Chairman of the House Rules Committee where he championed reform and open government in the General Assembly. Patrick was also a leader on gun control issues, sponsoring the state's seven-day waiting period for gun purchases. Patrick was re-elected to the State House in 1990 and 1992.

In November 1994, Patrick won an open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the age of 27, he was the youngest member elected to the U.S. Congress that year.

The people of Rhode Island's 1st congressional district have chosen to send Patrick J. Kennedy to Washington to be their advocate and champion. The voters of Rhode Island know that Patrick Kennedy will fight for them, that he is tenacious as their advocate and that he is tireless in his work on their behalf.

Patrick looks forward to serving Rhode Islanders for another 2 years in the U.S. Congress and continuing his fight for opportunity and security for all American families.

<< Return to the Elected Officials Page